What’s happening?
TADH and CDSB, alongside community health and social service partners are partnering to
provide mental health and addiction services for Timmins and area, including programs such as
withdrawal management, addiction treatment and supportive and transitional housing.
As we are still in the early planning phase, we are exploring potential options for additional
services that could be offered, with input from the community and our partners. Announced in
August 2024, CDSB, alongside its partners, plans to apply to become a Homelessness and
Addictions Recovery Treatment Hub (HART) in Timmins. To provide the best possible chance to
receive the vital funding, CDSB has purchased 1800 Riverside Drive.
Why is this happening?
There has been a clear and demonstrated need for more treatment in the North. The Timmins
and Area Wellness Centre of Excellence (WCE), a proposed HART Hub, aims to provide
centralized access to addictions treatment, mental health supports and supportive housing and
programming to help get people back on their feet. It will be a safe and secure facility to protect
those it serves and the community.
Who are the partners involved in the WCE?
The development of the WCE is a testament to the power of collaboration that spans years. The
project has brought together a wide range of partners, including the Mushkegowuk Council,
Timmins and District Hospital, Canadian Mental Health Association – Cochrane-Timiskaming,
Urban Indigenous service partners, North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services,
Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services, Timmins Academic Family Health Team, Cochrane
Temiskaming Resource Centre, Northern College, and many others. This collective effort aims to
create lasting, positive outcomes for individuals and families across the District.
How will security be managed?
As we move through the HART Hub application process, we are planning how security will be
managed. Those involved with the WCE understand the important need for security managed by
a team of highly trained professionals with expertise in crisis intervention, management, and
behavior management to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Is this a supervised consumption site?
No, the WCE is not a supervised consumption site and supervised consumption services will not
be provided.
I’ve heard this site is a low-barrier site, what does that mean?
When we talk about “low barrier” services, it means that we understand relapse can happen
multiple times before someone successfully completes treatment. Our services are designed to
meet people where they are, and create care plans that continue to support those want help
even in the event of a relapse.
We know that it’s normal to make mistakes when learning new habits and skills and it’s
important to ensure that our services operate in a way that continues to support recovery for
individuals wanting to access help.
If someone is actively using substances while in the program, they would be discharged and
referred to a service better suited to their current needs.
How are you running this service?
As we move through the HART Hub application process, we are planning on what service
delivery looks like with the various partners involved. A phased approach could see existing
services, currently being offered in our community, move to this centralized space. We will
communicate service delivery information when finalized.
The WCE will look to offer addictions services, like withdrawal management and treatment,
outpatient mental health services and supportive and transitional housing. Collaboration is key,
with our partners continuing to operate their existing programs within this collaborative new
location.
The CDSB will not be directly providing mental health and addiction services, outside of services
provided through Cochrane District EMS.
Will people be able to loiter?
The proposed facility will remain secure and structured, with movement carefully managed. We
are still in the early planning phase, and all involved understand the need for a highly trained
security team with expertise in crisis intervention, management and behavior management to
ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
As a voluntary program, participants have chosen to be there and may participate in programs
and services outside the WCE to support their ongoing wellness. Access to the WCE is by referral
only and those who are voluntary leaving the service would be supported with appropriate
discharge planning.
What will the process be for visitors?
The process for visitors will depend on the individual’s preferences and care plan. If someone
wishes to have visitors, arrangements will be made through their care team. However, if a
participant has expressed that they do not want to see a particular person, or that individual
poses a risk to the individual or others, that visitor will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Are you searching belongings or doing drug tests on patients?
Both searches of belongings and drug tests are voluntary. We cannot force individuals to empty
their pockets or bags, but many participants do consent to this process, as this is a voluntary
program. There are clear guidelines about what is not permitted within specific programs.
Similarly, drug tests are not mandatory and would be voluntary, and they are often conducted in
our existing programs when needed to ensure effective treatment, such as identifying
substances like fentanyl for proper care.
How many times can someone access treatment? Can someone come and go multiple times?
There is no limit to how many times someone can access treatment. We understand that
relapse can happen multiple times before someone successfully completes treatment and our
services are designed to meet people where they are. We know that it’s normal to make
mistakes when learning new habits and skills and it’s important to ensure that our services
operate in a way that continues to support recovery for individuals wanting to access help.
The clinical team will develop a care plan tailored to the individual, considering any previous
admissions.
If someone is actively using substances while in the program, they would be discharged and
referred to a service better suited to their current needs.
Does this mean that other sites will be closing (Smooth Rock Falls Centre)?
No, existing services would continue to be funded and operate.
This proposal is not intended to replace any existing programs; rather, it aims to centralize
current services while introducing new or additional offerings based on identified needs.
What happens when people are done treatment – how is this going to improve the situation
we’re in?
The proposal includes access to transitional housing with on-site health, mental health and
addiction services after treatment. We are also considering adding job training programs to help
people find work and rebuild their lives. This support is key to helping people stay stable, avoid
relapse and successfully reintegrate into the community for better long-term outcomes.
We acknowledge that there is currently a significant gap in the availability of supportive housing
for those who have finished treatment, or who have finished withdrawal management and are
waiting for treatment. The WCE aims to help close that gap, and allow individuals actively
seeking support to remain stable and supported.
Living Space has faced challenges and raised concerns in our community. How will this new
proposal help address those issues?
The WCE is not a homeless shelter and not associated with Living Space or Living Space
operations.
We acknowledge that there is a significant need for treatment, addiction services and
supportive housing in our community. Services like emergency shelters cannot solve the issues
in our community related to addictions. This new proposal aims to address the broader need for
increased capacity and more comprehensive solutions that have long been necessary in the
community.
I didn’t get into the room for the session on September 9th, am I going to be able to give my
opinion and ask questions?
Absolutely. Additional opportunities to provide feedback and ask questions are being planned
for the near future, with an improved and simplified format.
Your feedback and questions are always welcome. We encourage anyone who was unable to
contribute fully at the session to submit their questions and suggestions via: QR Code.
Members of the community will have alternate options to share feedback, concerns and
questions in the upcoming weeks. As we continue to work on a communication plan, more
information will be communicated next week for community members that don’t have access to
email or an electronic device.